Investigate one of TV’s most-watched genres at SCAD TVfest: True Crime

From the venue:

Stories of real-life murders, mysteries, and mayhem have captivated audiences dating back to the earliest forms of storytelling. From news-style reporting to recreated crime scenes and narrative accounts, true crime programming has exploded in recent years, growing into one of the most-binged genres on TV. At SCAD TVfest: True Crime, SCADFILM turns the spotlight on the producers, directors, and creators behind the scenes of some of your favorite true crime shows.

Tickets for each session are free for SCAD students, faculty, and staff, $5 for SCAD alumni, and $10 for the general public. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the SCAD Box Office.

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12:30 p.m.
The Perfect Crime Show
SCADshow, Main Stage

No matter what the crime might be, capturing savvy true crime audiences eager to get lost in a good whodunnit requires a nuanced combination of compelling characters, finely honed production skills, and an effective narrative format. In this panel discussion, hear from producers and programming executives about the process of mining for the right combination of murder and mayhem for a successful series.

Panelists: Erica Gant-Diaz, vice president of development, DiscoveryID; Matt Sprouse, president and executive producer, York and Wilder (An American Murder Mystery, Casey Anthony’s Parents: The Lie Detector Test); Deborah Allen, executive vice president, Jupiter Entertainment (Snapped, ID Murder Mystery); additional panelists to be announced

2:15 p.m.
Inspired by a True Story
SCADshow, Stage 2

Adapting true crime stories into dramatic limited series or made-for-TV movies draw huge ratings and win awards — especially when the fiction stays true to reality. In this writing workshop, dig into the true crime adaptation process with successful creators and writers. 

Panelists to be announced.

5:30 p.m.
In Conversation with Dateline
SCADshow, Main Stage

As the longest running primetime series in NBC history, Dateline continues to captivate audiences. Correspondents Andrea Canning and Josh Mankiewicz take the SCAD stage to give us a behind-the-scenes look at the compelling mysteries, powerful reporting, and in-depth investigations that drive the award-winning broadcast, podcast, syndication and streaming brand.

7:30 p.m.
How I Caught My Killer Exclusive Screening
SCADshow, Main Stage
Be one of the first to watch the premiere episode from the upcoming season of Hulu’s How I Caught My Killer, which returns Thursday, July 18. The hit docuseries highlights the real-life stories behind unique homicide cases, with in-depth interviews, authentic archival material, and cinematic recreations all packaged together in a fresh spin on the true crime genre.

The screening is free to attend, but a ticket is required.